Stewards Report

BATHURST 29/03/2025

 

 

Stewards	B Day (Chairman), T Sharwood, M Ross & M Jasprizza
Starter	N Moy, M Jasprizza (Assistant Races 5 & 7)
Veterinarian	Dr M Wainscott, Dr A Knox & Dr J Holman
Swab Official	G Jasprizza
Track	Good
Weather	Overcast

 

GENERAL:  Due to continued rainfall overnight a track inspection was conducted at 10:00am and the mobile barrier tested.  The track was passed suitable for racing.

 

Urine and breath samples were collected from selected Drivers at this meeting.

 

RACE 1 – ALABAR FARMS GRADUATE E & G’S FINAL – 1730 metres

ALWAYSBMYPONY – Slow to begin.

BEACHRIDE – Pre-race blood sample. Driver Jason Hewitt was questioned regarding the performance of the gelding which finished in 10^th and last placing beaten 21 metres ($8). Mr Hewitt explained he felt the performance was largely attributable to BEACHRIDE being positioned wide rounding the first turn whilst the speed of the event was at its fastest. A post-race veterinary examination of BEACHRIDE failed to reveal any significant findings.

DANGEROUS THREATS – Fractious prior to the score up commencing.

BETTOR KEPPEL – All clear was delayed to allow Jye Coney, Driver of 3^rd placed BETTOR KEPPEL, the opportunity to review the available replays in relation to an incident approaching the 1500 metres involving 2^nd placed NOVANTA RISING. Upon review of the available footage Mr Coney declined to lodge a protest and as Stewards were similarly satisfied there were not sufficient grounds for protest the all clear was given.

BLACK ONYX – Pre-race blood sample. Post-race swab sample.

 

RACE 2 – ALABAR FARMS GRADUATE MARES FINAL – 1730 metres

ALWAYSBMINNIE – Held up rounding the home turn and in the early part of the straight. Driver Travis Bullock pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) in that shortly after straightening he permitted ALWAYSBMINNIE to shift out resulting in ZENXENA being taken out onto DESTINY STRIDE resulting in ZENXENA being checked and racing roughly for a short distance. In assessing penalty, Stewards took into account the HRNSW Penalty Guidelines placing particular weight on Mr Bullock’s guilty plea, his recent offence record and the circumstances of the incident. Stewards accordingly imposed a 10 day suspension of his licence to drive in races which was ordered to commence midnight 2 April 2025. Mr Bullock was issued a further reprimand under Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) in that shortly after passing the 300 metres he permitted ALWAYSBMINNIE to shift out momentarily tightening PLATINUM JEWEL.

PLATINUM JEWEL – Paced roughly passing the 1500 metres. Momentarily tightened passing the 300 metres when ALWAYSBMINNIE shifted out.

ZENXENA – Checked and paced roughly shortly after straightening when ALWAYSBMINNIE shifted out.

DESTINY STRIDE – Driver Blake Fitzpatrick was fined $200 under Rule 156(2)(a) for using the whip free of the rein inside the final 200 metres.

WINDY HILL TARA - Pre-race blood sample. Trainer/Driver Amanda Turnbull explained upon the mare improving and obtaining an advantage on A LOT OF LUVIN passing the 900 metres the mare then commenced to hang in and failed to quicken and as a consequence was caught 3 wide thereafter which ultimately proved to the detriment of WINDY HILL TARA.

HEAVENLY HOLLY - Pre-race blood sample. Post-race swab sample.

 

RACE 3 – CORDINA RACING BATHURST MAYORS CUP – 2260 metres

ART OF TERROR – Checked passing the 600 metres when held up behind VINKE B NZ which commenced to tire.

VINKE B NZ – Tired over the concluding stages to be beaten in excess of 87 metres to finish in 10^th placing. A post-race veterinary examination of VINKE B NZ failed to reveal any significant findings. Connections were advised given the beaten margin the gelding would be required to trial to the satisfaction of Stewards on one occasion.

I BREAK THE LINE - Pre-race blood sample. The all clear of this event was delayed to allow Nathan Xuereb, driver of 5^th placed I BREAK THE LINE, the opportunity to review the available replays in relation to I BREAK THE LINE being tightened and contacting marker pegs rounding the final turn. Upon review of the available replays it was established I BREAK THE LINE had been momentarily tightened by KANENA PROVLIMA passing the 300 metres and contacted marker pegs as a consequence, however as I BREAK THE LINE finished ahead of KANENA PROVLIMA a protest was not applicable in the circumstances. Stewards reminded Mr Xuereb that he should only delay the all clear in circumstances where he is sufficiently satisfied there are any reasonable grounds for a protest being lodged.

ULTIMATE VINNIE - Pre-race blood sample. Trainer Sam Barker was questioned regarding the performance of the gelding which finished in 9^th and second last placing to be beaten 80 metres ($6.00). Mr Barker explained ULTIMATE VINNIE was very disappointing this evening and advised he was of the opinion ULTIMATE VINNIE had not settled in well since travelling from Victoria. A post-race veterinary examination of ULTIMATE VINNIE failed to reveal any significant findings. Given the beaten margin (80 metres) ULTIMATE VINNIE will be required to trial to the satisfaction of Stewards prior to racing again.

JAY OK – Post-race swab sample.

 

RACE 4 – MICHAEL BROWN PLANNING GOLD BARCELET FINAL (GROUP 2) – 1730 metres

SOHO AMERICANO - Pre-race blood sample. Post-race swab sample.

PEACE OUT - Pre-race blood sample. Post-race swab sample.

SUGAR PIE HONEY - Pre-race blood sample.

RIKIBREAL – Broke clear of interference passing the 300 metres and a warning was issued.

LONDON BABY - Pre-race blood sample.

GUNNA RELOAD - Pre-race blood sample. Post-race swab sample.

NAMAKA - Pre-race blood sample. Driver Joshua Gallagher was questioned regarding the performance of the filly which finished in 8^th place beaten 32 metres. Mr Gallagher explained NAMAKA has proven somewhat disappointing at various times this preparation, which included tonight’s event. A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any significant findings.

 

RACE 5 – ONE GROUP INDUSTRIES GOLD TIARA FINAL (GROUP 1) – 1730 metres

DISCERNMENT – Post-race swab sample.

CAPTURE OUR HEART NZ – Pre-race blood sample.

WAT ON EARTH - Pre-race blood sample. Trainer KerryAnn Morris was fined $50 under Rule 268A(1) for failing to have the filly’s gear declared. Checked passing the 400 metres when held up behind KALYPSO RAINBOW which commenced to tire.

SPARKLING SEA - Pre-race blood sample. Post-race swab sample.

RIPPLES NZ - Pre-race blood sample. Trainer Emma Stewart was fined $50 under Rule 268A(1) for failing to have the filly’s gear declared. Hung in passing the 1200 metres. Post-race swab sample.

CAPTAIN JAZZ - Pre-race blood sample. Trainer/Driver Mat Rue was questioned regarding the performance of the filly which finished in 9^th placing beaten 38 metres. Mr Rue explained he was somewhat disappointed with the filly’s performance this evening and added that CAPTAIN JAZZ paced roughly passing the 300 metres which he attributed to the loose track conditions. Mr Rue further advised the filly may be spelled following this event. A post-race veterinary examination of CAPTAIN JAZZ failed to reveal any significant findings.

KALYPSO RAINBOW – Melissa Hawke, driver of KALYPSO RAINBOW, which finished in 10^th and last placing beaten in excess of 100 metres, explained she was of the view the filly may be suffering from a respiratory infection as there had been some nasal discharge immediately post-race. A post-race veterinary examination of KALYPSO RAINBOW failed to reveal any significant findings. KALYPSO RAINBOW will now be required to trial to the satisfaction of Stewards prior to racing again.

WILLOWS GIRL – Paced roughly shortly after the start and a warning was issued.

 

RACE 6 – LLOWALONG FARMS GOLD CHALICE FINAL (GROUP 2) – 1730 metres

The start of this event was delayed due to a gear adjustment being required on SWEET ON LEXY.

GENERAL:  Stewards inquired into the reasons for RED SAPPHIRE being placed into restricted room between the 1500 metres and 1300 metres and ultimately being checked by its driver. After taking evidence from Drivers Brian Portelli (RED SAPPHIRE), Michael Formosa (ULTIMATE CRUZA), Chris Geary (MAC BON) and review of the available replays it was established that shortly after passing the 1500 metres RED SAPPHIRE had commenced to be directed in to obtain a position along the marker pegs simultaneous to Mr Geary directing MAC BON in to obtain the position 2 wide following ITS CONFIDENTIAL. A short distance later ULTIMATE CRUZA improved to the inside of RED SAPPHIRE, where there was sufficient room to do so, however as a consequence of the runners continuing to improve and then entering the first turn it resulted in RED SAPPHIRE being placed in restricted room between ULTIMATE CRUZA and ITS CONFIDENTIAL for some distance and Mr Portelli unable to relieve the pressure to ULTIMATE CRUZA to his inside and shortly after RED SAPPHIRE was checked by Mr Portelli and lost the position between ULTIMATE CRUZA and ITS CONFIDENTIAL at the 1300 metres. In all of the circumstances Stewards did not feel that any one driver was at fault and took the matter no further.

HESITATE - Pre-race blood sample. Post-race swab sample.

ITS CONFIDENTIAL - Pre-race blood sample. Driver Brad Hewitt explained that ITS CONFIDENTIAL was placed in restricted room approaching the 1300 metres when RED SAPPHIRE and ULTIMATE CRUZA improved to his inside which combined with MY ULTIMATE BARNEY, who he was following, commenced to over race and when restrained by its driver resulted in ITS CONFIDENTIAL breaking gait at the 1200 metres. In view of the circumstances no action was taken against ITS CONFIDENTIAL.

MAC BON – Severely checked passing the 1200 metres as a result of ITS CONFIDENTIAL breaking gait.

MY ULTIMATE BARNEY - Pre-race blood sample. Driver Kate Gath explained the colt commenced to over race through the early stages after obtaining the position outside the leader which only worsened when FOX DAN improved to her outside and was driven forward with the whip which resulted in MY ULTIMATE BARNEY then commencing to race fiercely which ultimately proved to the colt’s detriment. Mrs Gath further added the stable would now make changes to the gear of MY ULTIMATE BARNEY in order to prevent a reoccurrence. Mrs Gath was advised given the detrimental impact of the racing manners of MY ULTIMATE BARNEY on its own chances, and that of other runners, the colt would be required to trial to the satisfaction of Stewards prior to racing again. 

FOX DAN - Pre-race blood sample. Trainer Emma Stewart was fined $50 under Rule 268A(1) for failing to have the colt’s gear declared.

JACKS ULTIMATE FURY NZ – Post-race swab sample.

SEATHESTARS - Pre-race blood sample. Post-race swab sample.

RED SAPPHIRE - Pre-race blood sample. Tightened between the 1500 metres and the 1300 metres after ULTIMATE CRUZA improved to its inside resulting in RED SAPPHIRE being checked and losing its position at 1300 metres.

SWEET ON LEXY – Severely checked passing the 1200 metres and as a consequence broke gait.

ULTIMATE CRUZA – Out of position at the start. Driver Michael Formosa was fined $100 under Rule 162(1)(j) for failing to maintain his position until the start was effected. In not taking more severe action against Mr Formosa Stewards were mindful of the racing manners of ULTIMATE CRUZA. Tightened and contacted marker pegs after improving to the inside of RED SAPPHIRE shortly after passing the 1500 metres.

 

RACE 7 – HYNASH GROUP GOLD CROWN FINAL (GROUP 1) – 1730 metres

REWATCH - Pre-race blood sample. Post-race swab sample. Trainer/Driver Brad Hewitt was questioned regarding the tactics adopted on the colt in particular his decision to surrender the lead to MESSAGE BANK approaching the 1300 metres which appeared in contrast to the tactics adopted in the colt’s only 2 prior race starts. Mr Hewitt explained that he resisted the initial challenge from USYK immediately after the start and upon securing the lead he felt his best option was to surrender the lead as he was mindful LOUCASSO, which had drawn immediately behind REWATCH, was his main danger and should he surrender the lead it would result in that runner being relegated a position further back and therefore afford REWATCH with first use of the sprint lane over the concluding stages and not LOUCASSO. Mr Hewitt added he felt there were two suitable runners for him to surrender the lead to, that being MESSAGE BANK or SOHO PARK AVENUE and he was content to surrender the lead to either runner. Mr Hewitt explained that as MESSAGE BANK improved passing the 1400 metres he was content to surrender the lead as MESSAGE BANK was the fastest heat winner the week prior and felt it would give REWATCH every opportunity to win the race via the guaranteed clear run obtained by use of the sprint lane. Mr Hewitt further explained he was of the view at this point in its career REWATCH is best driven for its speed and consequently would be better served following MESSAGE BANK as opposed to having it positioned to his outside applying pressure as it did in its only race start. Upon consideration of the explanation provided, and all available evidence, Stewards were satisfied the explanation provided by Mr Hewitt was not unreasonable in the circumstances and recorded his explanation. Post-race swab sample.

FRIZZA –Trainer Anthony Frisby was fined $50 under Rule 268A(1) for failing to have the colts gear recorded. Paced roughly momentarily passing the 1500 metres.

MESSAGE BANK - Pre-race blood sample. Post-race swab sample.

SOHO PARK AVENUE – Post-race swab sample.

LOUCASSO - Pre-race blood sample. Broke passing the 150 metres and veered in sharply. The colt will now be required to trial to the satisfaction of Stewards prior to racing again.

A BUCK TEN - Pre-race blood sample.

YOU GOTTA BELIEVE - Pre-race blood sample.

 

RACE 8 – LITTLE WYCH HONOUREE FINAL – 1730 metres

SEASIDE DELIGHT - Pre-race blood sample. Post-race swab sample.

ALFREDJOHNCRUSADER - Pre-race blood sample. Hung in at various stages throughout the event.

BETTORS HOPE – Held up inside the final 200 metres and was disappointed for a run to the inside of SEASIDE DELIGHT approaching the 100 metres.

KARINYA GILL - Hung in under pressure passing the 200 metres.

 

RACE 9 – HYNASH GROUP GOLD CROWN GOLD CONSOLATION – 1730 metres

SOHO TUXEDO – Paced roughly momentarily passing the 300 metres.

SOHO MAJESTIC - Pre-race blood sample. Driver Luke McCarthy was questioned regarding the performance of the colt which finished in 7^th placing beaten 19 metres ($2.15 fav). Mr McCarthy explained the colt was very disappointing in this evening’s event and advised that connections may now consider gelding SOHO MAJESTIC. A post-race veterinary examination of SOHO MAJESTIC failed to reveal any significant findings.

LOCHINVAR LEADER – Trainer KerryAnn Morris was fined $50 under Rule 268A(1) for failing to have the colts gear recorded.

LEXY – Post-race swab sample.

LEWIE KELLY – Inconvenienced during the middle stages of the score up when LEXY came to the barrier out of position.

SIARGAO ISLAND - Pre-race blood sample.

MOUNT BARKER BOY – Broke clear of interference approaching the 400 metres and as the colt was having its second race start will now be required trial to the satisfaction of Stewards.

 

RACE 10 – AOK FABRICATIONS GOLD TIARA GOLD CONSOLATION – 1730 metres

SWIFT CODE – Post-race swab sample.

ALWAYS STORMY – Declared a late scratching at 10.07pm acting on veterinary advice.

LINE OF COURAGE - Pre-race blood sample.

OPEN THE GATES – Underwent a pre-race veterinary examination and was cleared to start.

WHERES MY REASON - Pre-race blood sample. 

THERESHEWAS – Out of position at the start for which a warning was issued. Over raced during the middle stages.

 

SUMMARY
Reprimands	Race 2 – Travis Bullock – Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) – ALWAYSBMINNIE
Fines	Race 2 – Blake Fitzpatrick - Rule 156(2)(a) - $200 – DESTINY STRIDE Race 5 – Emma Stewart – Rule 268A(1) - $50 – RIPPLES Race 5 – KerryAnn Morris – Rule 268A(1) - $50 – WAT ON EARTH Race 6 – Emma Stewart – Rule 268A(1) - $50 – FOX DAN Race 6 – Michael Formosa – Rule 162(1)(j) - $100 – ULTIMATE CRUZA Race 7 – Anthony Frisby – Rule 268A(1) - $50 – FRIZZA Race 9 – KerryAnn Morris – Rule 268A(1) - $50 – LOCHINVAR LEADER
Suspensions	Race 2 – Travis Bullock – Rule 163(1)(a)(iii) – 10 days – ALWAYSBMINNIE - TO COMMENCE MIDNIGHT 2/4/2025
Barrier Information
Trials/Stand Down	Race 3 – VINKE B NZ – Rule 63(2) – 1 trial Race 3 – ULTIMATE VINNIE – Rule 63(2) – 1 trial Race 5 – KALYPSO RAINBOW – Rule 63(2) – 1 trial Race 6 – MY ULTIMATE BARNEY – Rule 63(2) – 1 trial Race 7 – LOUCASSO – Rule 63(2) – 1 trial Race 9 – MOUNT BARKER BOY – 1 trial
Late Scratchings	Race 9 – ALWAYS STORMY – 10.07pm – veterinary advice – stood down 10 days and a veterinary certificate.
Adjourned Inquiries
Medical Clearance
Follow up’s